Energy crisis Callers ‘in distress’ as advice charity sees demand soar
ABRISTOL charity which issues advice on energy says it is receiving calls from people feeling suicidal “at least two or three times a week” as gas and energy bills soar.
Bristol’s Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has given its staff special training in suicide awareness amid an influx in calls from people struggling with their mental health as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Energy bills rose by around 54 per cent on April 1, meaning the average household will now pay around £693 more per year to heat and light their home.
Increased gas, council tax, mobile phone and food bills are also contributing to the cost of living squeeze which is being felt in Bristol and beyond.
The CSE has called the energy price cap rise “chilling news” for millions of people already struggling, adding it has seen “unprecedentedly high” numbers of people seeking energy saving advice.
“We’ve seen a fourfold increase in demand for advice on financial support and energy debt,” it said.
“Callers are increasingly in distress and having to make tough choices about essentials like
energy, food and clothes.
“We are speaking to people whose mental health is suffering because of the cost of living crisis.
“A few years ago, it was rare for us to speak to someone who was feeling suicidal, now it’s a regular occurrence.
“Our advisors have all received suicide awareness training and our safeguarding policy has been expanded to add additional layers of support.
“Rather than speaking to a caller once or twice, we are now speaking to them on multiple occasions to
deal with a variety of complex issues.”
The charity also says it is making more food bank referrals than during the height of the pandemic.
“During the first lockdown we strengthened our partnerships with food banks,” it said.
“We are now making ten times more foodbank referrals than we did previously.”
Detailing a sample call they received, the charity said: “Emma [not her real name] was in £1,800 debt with her energy supplier.
“She’s received letters from the
supplier which she’s found upsetting, she’s also had the bailiffs visit her home in relation to other debts. She was severely distressed and feeling suicidal.
“Our advisor organised a conference call with the supplier to get authority on the account.
“Following numerous calls, we have negotiated agreement with the supplier for the payments to be taken direct from her benefits as the client would prefer this.
“We have made a foodbank referral and also been liaising with social services about wider issues.”